The First Presbyterian Church
Soon after the beginning of the war, in 1861, Rev. John Montgomery, D. D. (father of Attorney J. Montgomery), walked from Georgetown to Sedalia and preached one of the first sermons ever delivered in the town, in a small wooden house that had been brought up on the Missouri Pacific railroad, then being constructed. Dr. Montgomery continued to preach occasionally in Sedalia as did also Rev. Mr. Barbee. The latter induced the friends to buy a house that had been used as a church in Syracuse, and remove it to Sedalia. This building was moved and rebuilt in the spring of 1865. This was the first house of worship erected in the town, and was on the corner of Second and Lamine streets. It was built for a Presbyterian Church, but for several years was occupied by the different denominations. The First Presbyterian Church was not formally organized till August 11, 1865, Dr. Montgomery presiding. The following persons were enrolled as members: Dr. Thomas J. Montgomery, John S. Brown, J. J. Monahan, Abram Meyer, Julius Huffman, Mrs. R. Monahan, Sirs. Adaline Meyer, Joseph P. Landes, Mrs. Sarah E. Staley, John F. Philips, P. G. Stafford and William B. Wallace. The following were elected elders: Abram Meyer, W. B. Wallace and J. S. Brown. Dr. Montgomery continued to preach for the church till February 25, 1868, when Rev. C. H. Dunlap was employed and began his labors, April 5, 1868, and closed them March 3, 1872.
(History of Pettis County Missouri by Mark A McGruder 1919)